Design Manager (1921)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (1921)

Company: CoreSite

Location: Secaucus, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Design & Development Management

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages the end-to-end design process for capital expenditure projects, with a strong focus on interior retrofits and infrastructure upgrades within existing, operating data center facilities.

• Coordinates design timelines, deliverables, scope changes, and budgets, ensuring alignment with CoreSite's Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) and market trends.

• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration between internal teams (Construction, Engineering, Operations, IT, Security, Product) and external stakeholders (design consultants, vendors, authorities having jurisdiction).

• Supports the acquisitions team with design and engineering due diligence for potential facility acquisitions, including building assessments and feasibility reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designed for an operations professional who excels in the complex, live-infrastructure environment of existing data centers, prioritizing precision, coordination, and minimal customer disruption alongside design quality. The emphasis on "interior retrofit and improvement work" across the national portfolio distinguishes it from ground-up development roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and permitting phases for interior retrofits, infrastructure upgrades, and legacy building repositions within operating data centers.

• Develop and manage project budgets and schedules for design and permitting activities, tracking against actuals and reporting variances.

• Facilitate design meetings, ensuring clear action item assignment and timely stakeholder input and approvals for multi-phase design reviews.

• Ensure design consultants adhere to CoreSite's OPR and account for the operational realities of occupied facilities.

• Manage the building permit process nationwide, from submission through final issuance, ensuring compliance with diverse jurisdictional building codes and plan review procedures.

• Coordinate with internal teams (Construction, Engineering, Operations, IT, Security, Product) and external partners (architects, engineers, specialty consultants) to integrate their requirements and feedback into design deliverables.

• Support the acquisitions team by conducting design and engineering due diligence, including building assessments, test fits, and feasibility reviews for potential facility purchases.

• Capture and implement lessons learned from each project to refine processes, documentation, and CoreSite's OPR, particularly for retrofit and in-place project contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a need for strong project lifecycle management skills within a highly regulated and operational environment. The emphasis on "owner-furnished equipment specification" and "bid set comprehensiveness to minimize change orders" indicates a need for proactive, detail-oriented execution to control project costs and timelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive experience in design management, construction management, or a related role, with a significant focus on existing building retrofits, renovations, or tenant improvement projects. Data center experience is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in managing the design process for capital expenditure projects, with a strong emphasis on interior retrofits and infrastructure upgrades.

• Comprehensive knowledge of building design processes, including building codes, building systems (mechanical, electrical, architectural), and space planning within occupied facilities.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate and manage the building permit process across multiple U.S. jurisdictions simultaneously.

• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, resource organization, and risk mitigation.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to handle multiple concurrent projects under strict deadlines.

• Effective written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to various organizational levels.

• Experience managing design consultants and coordinating cross-functional teams in fast-paced project environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in data center design or construction.

• Familiarity with CoreSite's Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) or similar operational performance standards.

• Experience with value engineering and reviewing cost estimates for validity.

• Understanding of phased construction strategies and minimizing operational impact in live facilities.

• Familiarity with acquisitions due diligence processes for real estate or infrastructure assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "meaningful focus on existing building retrofit, renovation, or tenant improvement projects" strongly suggests that candidates with experience in commercial interior buildouts, facility upgrades, or historical building renovations will be highly competitive, even if their direct data center experience is limited.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of successfully managed design projects for interior retrofits, renovations, or tenant improvements within occupied or operational facilities.

• Case studies showcasing effective coordination of design consultants, internal stakeholders, and regulatory bodies across multiple jurisdictions.

• Documentation illustrating budget and schedule management for design and permitting phases, highlighting any variance analysis or cost control measures implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows and methodologies used for initiating and managing design projects from kickoff to closeout, with a specific focus on the complexities of live-infrastructure environments.

• Examples of how you have captured and applied lessons learned to improve design and permitting processes.

• Documentation of experience in developing or refining Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) or similar project briefs, particularly for retrofit scenarios.

• Protocols for managing scope changes, ensuring clear delineation of scopes across disciplines, and minimizing change orders during construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of managing design within complex, operational constraints is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they've successfully navigated the challenges inherent in retrofitting live data centers, emphasizing risk mitigation, stakeholder communication, and efficient process execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the Secaucus, New Jersey area typically falls between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major metropolitan areas, considering the specialized nature of data center operations and management.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: First-day medical insurance through Cigna with significant employer premium cost coverage, dental insurance through Delta Dental, and vision insurance through VSP.

• Wellness Support: Telemedicine through MDLive, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for eligible plans.

• Financial Security: Company-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability insurance. Voluntary options for supplemental life, critical illness, accident, and hospital insurance.

• Retirement Planning: First-day eligibility for a 401(k) savings plan through Fidelity, featuring an attractive company match of 5% on contributions.

• Incentives & Equity: Discretionary annual bonus and equity incentive plan, along with an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offering a 15% discount.

• Paid Time Off: Generous allocation of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 paid company holidays, and additional floating holidays.

• Additional Paid Leave: Time off for school events, elder care, volunteering, bereavement, jury duty, voting, parental leave, and disability leave.

• Commuting & Stipends: Free parking or a company contribution toward a public transit pass, and a $100 monthly technology stipend.

• Wellness Programs: A yearly stipend of $500 for employees (and $300 for dependents) for wellness-related expenses, and an incentive program to earn up to $450 annually for participating in wellbeing activities.

• Development & Giving Back: Educational reimbursement program up to $5,250 annually for work-related learning, charitable donation matching up to $5,000 annually, and nomination opportunities for Company Foundation grants.

• Financial & Family Planning: Access to financial coaching, student loan debt management tools, pet insurance, and comprehensive family planning benefits (fertility, pregnancy, menopause, adoption, surrogacy).

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for 24/7 support, and counseling/caregiving programs including mental health services.

• Referral Bonuses: A $3,000 cash bonus for successful referrals.

• Additional Perks: Discounts on thousands of brands, and a LinkedIn Learning membership for online courses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week. The role requires at least two days per week in the Secaucus office, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for a Design Manager role in a high-cost-of-living area like Northern New Jersey, considering the specialized industry (data centers) and the required experience level. The extensive benefits package underscores CoreSite's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: CoreSite operates within the critical digital infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on data center development, operations, and interconnection solutions. This industry is characterized by high growth, technological advancement, and a demand for reliability and security.

Company Size: CoreSite is a significant player in the data center market, employing a substantial workforce that allows for specialized teams and robust operational capabilities. This size typically means established processes and opportunities for career advancement, while still fostering a culture that values individual contribution.

Founded: CoreSite was founded in 2001. With over two decades of experience, the company has built a solid reputation and a comprehensive understanding of the data center landscape, influencing its operational strategies and commitment to innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager is part of the Corporate Development team, reporting to the Vice President of Development & Design.

• This team works closely with regional Development & Design Managers, who focus on ground-up development and large-scale interior buildouts.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes leveraging data and lessons learned from past projects to inform future designs and refine processes.

• Operational Excellence: A core tenet, focusing on precision, reliability, and minimizing disruption in live environments.

• Collaborative Innovation: Fosters an environment where team members are encouraged to share ideas, solve complex challenges together, and drive continuous improvement.

• Customer-Centricity: Ensuring that designs and retrofits meet the evolving needs of clients and enhance their connectivity and deployment capabilities.

Company Website: https://www.coresite.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's emphasis on "operational excellence," "innovation for improvement," and "building connections" suggests a company culture that values both technical proficiency and strong interpersonal skills. The hybrid work model with specific office days indicates a balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level position within the Development & Design function. It involves significant project ownership, cross-functional leadership, and the responsibility for managing complex, high-impact projects across a national portfolio.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Vice President of Development & Design, providing visibility to senior leadership and opportunities to influence strategic design decisions for capital expenditure projects.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts CoreSite's ability to expand capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and maintain competitive product offerings within its existing facilities. Successful project execution leads to enhanced facility performance, increased customer satisfaction, and improved revenue generation through optimized space utilization and reliable infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data center retrofits, specific MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems, or advanced design technologies.

• Leadership: Potential to move into senior management roles within the Development & Design team, or transition to managing larger, more complex ground-up development projects.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to gain broader experience in areas like operations management, project procurement, or strategic acquisition due diligence.

• Industry Expertise: Continuous learning and development through industry conferences, certifications, and exposure to emerging technologies in the data center space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, coupled with travel requirements and a focus on a national portfolio, suggests that career growth may involve increased responsibility for larger-scale projects, strategic input into portfolio-wide design standards, or leadership within specialized design disciplines.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CoreSite operates a hybrid work model, requiring at least two days per week in the Secaucus, New Jersey office. This model aims to blend the benefits of remote work flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration, team building, and spontaneous idea exchange.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is located in Secaucus, New Jersey. This location provides access to major transportation networks and is situated within a significant business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is likely designed to support team collaboration, with meeting rooms, project spaces, and common areas conducive to brainstorming and cross-functional discussions.

• Technology Integration: Expect access to necessary technology, software, and communication tools to support design management, project coordination, and remote collaboration.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages purposeful in-office days for team meetings, project reviews, and building stronger working relationships with colleagues in Secaucus and across the national organization.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for remote work on days not designated for in-office presence, while maintaining the need for structured work and availability during core business hours to manage national projects effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The expectation of two days per week in the office suggests a deliberate effort by CoreSite to cultivate a connected team environment, even with a distributed workforce. Operations professionals in this role should be prepared to leverage in-office time for critical team alignment and stakeholder engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience, particularly regarding retrofit/renovation projects and jurisdictional navigation.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Vice President of Development & Design to delve into your project management methodologies, experience with design processes, and understanding of data center operations. Expect questions about managing complex projects, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving in operational environments.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Construction, Engineering, Operations, and potentially IT/Security. These interviews will focus on your ability to collaborate, integrate diverse requirements, and understand the practical implications of design decisions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your project management skills, design oversight capabilities, and ability to deliver results in complex environments. Be prepared to discuss challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding interview, potentially with senior leadership, to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience in managing retrofits, renovations, or tenant improvements within existing buildings. Highlight projects that involved significant coordination across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions.

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the project's objectives, your role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered (especially those related to operating facilities), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, operational improvements, reduced customer disruption).

• Process Focus: Detail your approach to design management, including budget and schedule tracking, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and permitting oversight. Explain how you captured and applied lessons learned.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., floor plans, renderings, process diagrams) to illustrate your points, but avoid overwhelming the audience.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative that demonstrates your problem-solving skills, technical acumen, and ability to deliver successful projects under demanding conditions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You may be presented with a hypothetical retrofit scenario within an operating data center and asked to outline your approach to managing the design and permitting process, including key considerations for minimizing disruption and ensuring code compliance.

• Stakeholder Management: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle conflicting requirements from different internal departments or navigate pushback from regulatory bodies.

• Budget/Schedule Management: Anticipate questions about how you would track project financials, manage scope creep, and mitigate schedule delays in a live construction environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio presentation" and "case studies" indicates that candidates should prepare tangible evidence of their past work. The interview process is designed to assess not only technical skills but also the ability to collaborate effectively and navigate the unique challenges of data center operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in project management platforms such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar tools for scheduling, task management, and resource allocation.

• Design & Documentation Software: Familiarity with industry-standard tools for reviewing and managing architectural and engineering drawings, such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam Revu, or similar.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for seamless communication and virtual collaboration, especially given the hybrid work environment.

• Document Management Systems: Understanding of efficient document control and retention processes, potentially using SharePoint, Google Drive, or dedicated document management solutions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Financial Tracking Tools: Experience with financial management software or advanced Excel for tracking project budgets, actuals, and variances.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and potentially contribute to performance dashboards that track project progress, KPIs, and key metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, familiarity with how design decisions impact operational systems and customer deployment within a CRM context can be beneficial.

• Understanding of how design documentation and project data integrate into broader company systems for asset management and operational planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't explicitly listed, the nature of the role requires strong proficiency in project management, document management, and general collaboration tools. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with any software used to manage complex design and construction projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Committed to Excellence: Demonstrates a dedication to high-quality design and project execution, ensuring that all work meets CoreSite's stringent standards for reliability and performance.

• Build Connections: Actively fosters collaborative relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders, ensuring open communication and mutual understanding throughout the project lifecycle.

• Own It: Takes full responsibility for design and permitting outcomes, proactively addressing challenges, and driving projects to successful completion with a sense of ownership.

• Do the Right Thing: Operates with integrity, adhering to ethical practices, regulatory requirements, and company policies, particularly in complex environments with diverse jurisdictional rules.

• Have Fun: Contributes to a positive and engaging work environment, approaching challenges with enthusiasm and celebrating team successes.

• Win as a Team: Prioritizes collective success over individual achievement, working collaboratively to overcome obstacles and deliver outstanding results for CoreSite and its customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactively engages with diverse teams (Construction, Engineering, Operations, IT, Security, Product) to ensure designs are holistic, practical, and meet all stakeholder needs.

• Open Feedback Exchange: Encourages and provides constructive feedback on designs, processes, and project execution, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively shares lessons learned, best practices, and insights gained from projects to benefit the broader design and development team and improve overall portfolio standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's stated company values are deeply integrated into its operational ethos. Candidates should be prepared to speak to how they embody these values in their daily work, particularly in contexts of collaboration, ownership, and problem-solving within a high-pressure operational environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Operating Facilities: Managing design and construction within live, operational data centers requires meticulous planning to avoid service disruptions, ensure safety, and coordinate around existing infrastructure.

• National Jurisdictional Diversity: Navigating varying building codes, permitting processes, and regulatory requirements across numerous U.S. municipalities presents a significant challenge requiring detailed research and adaptability.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively integrating the diverse and sometimes competing requirements of internal departments (e.g., Operations vs. Product vs. Security) and external consultants while maintaining project scope and budget.

• Pace of Technological Change: Staying abreast of emerging trends and new technologies applicable to data center upgrades and retrofits to ensure designs are future-proof and leverage the latest innovations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in data center design, specific MEP systems, building codes, or project management methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and professional development programs focused on data center infrastructure, facility management, and design innovation.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leadership within the Development & Design team, offering guidance on career progression and strategic project execution.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining deeper insights into the operational, engineering, and IT aspects of data centers through close collaboration with these departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges for this role stem from the operational environment and the geographical spread of CoreSite's facilities. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in data center design and project leadership within this specialized field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex retrofit project within an operational facility. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you mitigate them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and stakeholder management in live environments.)

• "How do you approach ensuring compliance with diverse building codes and permitting requirements across multiple jurisdictions nationwide?" (Highlight your research methodology, proactive communication with AHJs, and risk mitigation strategies.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing design consultants and ensuring their deliverables meet project requirements and CoreSite's OPR." (Emphasize your oversight, review cycles, and feedback mechanisms.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody CoreSite's values of 'Own It' and 'Win as a Team' in your project management approach?" (Connect your past experiences to these specific values, providing concrete examples.)

• "What do you understand about the unique challenges and opportunities of designing within existing data center infrastructure?" (Showcase your awareness of the operational constraints and your ability to innovate within them.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of CoreSite's business and the role's importance. For each case study, clearly state the project objective, your role, the key challenges (especially related to retrofits/operations), your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results.

• Visuals: Use clean, professional slides with relevant diagrams, floor plans, or photos where appropriate. Focus on clarity and conciseness.

• Process Demonstration: Clearly articulate your project management methodology, including how you managed budgets, schedules, scope changes, and stakeholder communications.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled unforeseen issues, and what you learned from each project. Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific tools and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the unique aspects of working with existing data centers, managing national projects, and collaborating across diverse teams. Candidates should be ready to provide detailed, evidence-based answers that showcase their operational mindset and project execution capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Workable application link provided.

• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in design management, construction management, and specifically, retrofit or tenant improvement projects within existing facilities. Use keywords from the job description, such as "data center," "retrofit," "permitting," "budgeting," and "stakeholder management." Quantify your achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a concise portfolio (digital or PDF) showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your expertise in managing design and construction for renovations or interior buildouts. Focus on projects that involved complex coordination, navigated challenging environments, or achieved significant cost/schedule efficiencies. Be ready to walk through these case studies during the interview process.

• Research CoreSite: Thoroughly understand CoreSite's business, its facilities, its market position, and its company culture and values. Familiarize yourself with the data center industry and the specific challenges of managing infrastructure in this sector.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that illustrate your skills in project management, problem-solving, collaboration, and navigating complex operational environments. Practice articulating your thought process for hypothetical scenarios.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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